A federal judge in DC rules that Kari Lake was not lawfully appointed and that actions she took as the claimed head of USAGM "shall have no force or effect," including last August's RIFs at the Voice of America.
March 7, 2026 at 11:29 PM
A federal judge in DC rules that Kari Lake was not lawfully appointed and that actions she took as the claimed head of USAGM "shall have no force or effect," including last August's RIFs at the Voice of America.
A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has ruled that Kari Lake was not lawfully appointed as the leader of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) the independent federal agency that oversees Voice of America and other U.S.-funded international broadcasters.
March 8, 2026 at 1:36 AM
A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has ruled that Kari Lake was not lawfully appointed as the leader of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) the independent federal agency that oversees Voice of America and other U.S.-funded international broadcasters.
USAGM today urgently called back to work the staff of the Voice of America's Farsi language service. All had been on paid admin leave for the past three months with the rest of VOA's silenced journalists.
June 13, 2025 at 9:20 PM
USAGM today urgently called back to work the staff of the Voice of America's Farsi language service. All had been on paid admin leave for the past three months with the rest of VOA's silenced journalists.
Trump just nominated Kari Lake to a job she can't have. Senate approved a bipartisan board in December that has oversight over Voice of America and other US funded broadcasters
www.voanews.com/amp/senate-a...
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www.voanews.com/amp/senate-a...
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Senate Approves USAGM Board
www.voanews.com
December 12, 2024 at 6:16 AM
Trump just nominated Kari Lake to a job she can't have. Senate approved a bipartisan board in December that has oversight over Voice of America and other US funded broadcasters
www.voanews.com/amp/senate-a...
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www.voanews.com/amp/senate-a...
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In a victory for Voice of America staffers, a federal judge ruled that Kari Lake unlawfully ran the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) for several months last year. The mass layoffs and other actions undertaken during that time “are void,” the judge wrote. https://cnn.it/46LPSTM
Judge says Kari Lake unlawfully ran USAGM, voids Voice of America layoffs | CNN Business
In a victory for Voice of America staffers, a federal judge ruled Saturday that Kari Lake unlawfully ran the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) for several months last year.
cnn.it
March 8, 2026 at 3:28 AM
In a victory for Voice of America staffers, a federal judge ruled that Kari Lake unlawfully ran the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) for several months last year. The mass layoffs and other actions undertaken during that time “are void,” the judge wrote. https://cnn.it/46LPSTM
⚡️USAGM withdraws termination of RFE/RL grant, funding back in effect.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has reversed its decision to terminate grant funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) for the fiscal year 2025, RFE/RL reported on March 27.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has reversed its decision to terminate grant funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) for the fiscal year 2025, RFE/RL reported on March 27.
USAGM withdraws termination of RFE/RL grant, funding back in effect
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has reversed its decision to terminate grant funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) for the fiscal year 2025, RFE/RL reported on March 26.
kyivindependent.com
March 28, 2025 at 2:15 AM
⚡️USAGM withdraws termination of RFE/RL grant, funding back in effect.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has reversed its decision to terminate grant funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) for the fiscal year 2025, RFE/RL reported on March 27.
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) has reversed its decision to terminate grant funding for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) for the fiscal year 2025, RFE/RL reported on March 27.
AFGE - Two union sue President Trump and others in his administration over his executive order stripping employees at USAGM and Voice of America of their collective bargaining rights. https://www.afge.org/publication/unions-sue-trump-administration-over-union-busting-at-voice-of-america-usagm/
September 19, 2025 at 11:57 PM
AFGE - Two union sue President Trump and others in his administration over his executive order stripping employees at USAGM and Voice of America of their collective bargaining rights. https://www.afge.org/publication/unions-sue-trump-administration-over-union-busting-at-voice-of-america-usagm/
As predicted, here is Judge Lamberth’s order suspending the RIF at USAGM and VOA. He pulls no punches; worth a read:
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com
September 30, 2025 at 12:56 AM
As predicted, here is Judge Lamberth’s order suspending the RIF at USAGM and VOA. He pulls no punches; worth a read:
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Until Kari Lake seized control of USAGM and collaborated with Elon Musk's DOGE to dismantle the Voice of America, the VOA Persian Service had a 24/7 satellite TV channel, multimedia website and five social media platforms reaching ~16% of Iranian adults.
January 1, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Until Kari Lake seized control of USAGM and collaborated with Elon Musk's DOGE to dismantle the Voice of America, the VOA Persian Service had a 24/7 satellite TV channel, multimedia website and five social media platforms reaching ~16% of Iranian adults.
In a victory for Voice of America staffers, a federal judge has ruled that Kari Lake unlawfully ran the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) for several months last year. Here's my full story: www.cnn.com/2026/03/07/m...
Judge says Kari Lake unlawfully ran USAGM, voids Voice of America layoffs | CNN Business
In a victory for Voice of America staffers, a federal judge ruled Saturday that Kari Lake unlawfully ran the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) for several months last year.
www.cnn.com
March 8, 2026 at 4:41 AM
In a victory for Voice of America staffers, a federal judge has ruled that Kari Lake unlawfully ran the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) for several months last year. Here's my full story: www.cnn.com/2026/03/07/m...
Judge says Kari Lake’s tenure atop USAGM was improper, voids actions as ‘acting CEO’
Judge says Kari Lake’s tenure atop USAGM was improper, voids actions as ‘acting CEO’
U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth concluded that her ascension was an illegal end-run around the Senate’s advice and consent role.
dlvr.it
March 8, 2026 at 12:23 AM
Judge says Kari Lake’s tenure atop USAGM was improper, voids actions as ‘acting CEO’
A Justice Department attorney has sent an email to our lawyer, David Seide, informing him that USAGM expects VOA staff to begin a "phased return" to work and programming to resume next week.
May 3, 2025 at 2:37 AM
A Justice Department attorney has sent an email to our lawyer, David Seide, informing him that USAGM expects VOA staff to begin a "phased return" to work and programming to resume next week.
The judge also ordering the Trump Administration to "restore VOA programming such that USAGM fulfills its statutory mandate that VOA 'serve as a consistently
reliable and authoritative source of news.'"
reliable and authoritative source of news.'"
April 22, 2025 at 8:16 PM
The judge also ordering the Trump Administration to "restore VOA programming such that USAGM fulfills its statutory mandate that VOA 'serve as a consistently
reliable and authoritative source of news.'"
reliable and authoritative source of news.'"
New: Senate, House Dems sent a letter yesterday to Kari Lake and the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) Acting CEO demanding they undo recent actions to dismantle USAGM, terminate grants for government-funded outlets globally, and place Voice of America staff on leave.
March 28, 2025 at 2:24 PM
New: Senate, House Dems sent a letter yesterday to Kari Lake and the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) Acting CEO demanding they undo recent actions to dismantle USAGM, terminate grants for government-funded outlets globally, and place Voice of America staff on leave.
Reporters Without Borders, which joined Voice of America staffers in filing this lawsuit, says the outcome is “proof that fighting for press freedom matters.” www.cnn.com/2026/03/07/m...
Judge says Kari Lake unlawfully ran USAGM, voids Voice of America layoffs | CNN Business
In a victory for Voice of America staffers, a federal judge ruled Saturday that Kari Lake unlawfully ran the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) for several months last year.
www.cnn.com
March 8, 2026 at 4:50 AM
Reporters Without Borders, which joined Voice of America staffers in filing this lawsuit, says the outcome is “proof that fighting for press freedom matters.” www.cnn.com/2026/03/07/m...
The self-proclaimed head of USAGM, Kari Lake, who this year destroyed nearly all of the Voice of America, tells the agency's few remaining journalists the White House National Security Strategy will "guide our interview subjects, story selection, and coverage going forward."
December 23, 2025 at 11:20 PM
The self-proclaimed head of USAGM, Kari Lake, who this year destroyed nearly all of the Voice of America, tells the agency's few remaining journalists the White House National Security Strategy will "guide our interview subjects, story selection, and coverage going forward."
⚡️ USAGM agrees to partially fund RFE/RL as judge weighs case over Trump cuts.
RFE/RL sued USAGM on March 18 over the termination of grant funding, arguing the step violates federal laws and the U.S. Constitution.
RFE/RL sued USAGM on March 18 over the termination of grant funding, arguing the step violates federal laws and the U.S. Constitution.
USAGM agrees to partially fund RFE/RL as judge weighs case over Trump cuts
RFE/RL sued USAGM on March 18 over the termination of grant funding, arguing that the step violates federal laws and the U.S. Constitution.
kyivindependent.com
March 25, 2025 at 12:13 PM
⚡️ USAGM agrees to partially fund RFE/RL as judge weighs case over Trump cuts.
RFE/RL sued USAGM on March 18 over the termination of grant funding, arguing the step violates federal laws and the U.S. Constitution.
RFE/RL sued USAGM on March 18 over the termination of grant funding, arguing the step violates federal laws and the U.S. Constitution.
NEW: In a pointed ruling, Judge Lamberth pasued a 500-person cut at Voice of America and said USAGM had shown a "concerning disrespect" for court orders.
w/ @joshgerstein
www.politico.com/news/2025/09...
w/ @joshgerstein
www.politico.com/news/2025/09...
September 30, 2025 at 3:07 AM
NEW: In a pointed ruling, Judge Lamberth pasued a 500-person cut at Voice of America and said USAGM had shown a "concerning disrespect" for court orders.
w/ @joshgerstein
www.politico.com/news/2025/09...
w/ @joshgerstein
www.politico.com/news/2025/09...
1. BREAKING
A federal judge has ruled that Kari Lake was not legally allowed to serve as acting CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) because her appointment violated both the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.
A federal judge has ruled that Kari Lake was not legally allowed to serve as acting CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) because her appointment violated both the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.
March 8, 2026 at 12:05 AM
1. BREAKING
A federal judge has ruled that Kari Lake was not legally allowed to serve as acting CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) because her appointment violated both the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.
A federal judge has ruled that Kari Lake was not legally allowed to serve as acting CEO of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) because her appointment violated both the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.
A federal judge on Tuesday approved a request for a preliminary injunction that effectively requires USAGM and its two executives, Victor Morales and Kari Lake, to provide funding to Voice of America and reinstate hundreds of contractors and employees.
Judge approves injunction that reinstates Voice of America staff, funding
A federal judge has approved a preliminary injunction that requires USAGM to reinstate fired Voice of America employees and provide funding to the broadcaster once again.
thedesk.net
April 22, 2025 at 10:51 PM
A federal judge on Tuesday approved a request for a preliminary injunction that effectively requires USAGM and its two executives, Victor Morales and Kari Lake, to provide funding to Voice of America and reinstate hundreds of contractors and employees.
Please help support recently dismissed VOA and Radio Free Europe/Asia employees: secure.givelively.org/donate/usagm...
March 20, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Please help support recently dismissed VOA and Radio Free Europe/Asia employees: secure.givelively.org/donate/usagm...
A federal district court judge rules USAGM (including its "special adviser" Kari Lake) acted unlawfully in shutting down the Voice of America. democracyforward.org/wp-content/u...
democracyforward.org
April 22, 2025 at 8:12 PM
A federal district court judge rules USAGM (including its "special adviser" Kari Lake) acted unlawfully in shutting down the Voice of America. democracyforward.org/wp-content/u...
Some context for the elimination of USAGM
Trump's 1st USAGM head was found to have "breached editorial firewall regulations, engaged in gross waste of public funds, and abused his authority." He also lost a lawsuit when he tried to dismantle the Open Technology Fund 5/
www.voanews.com/a/government...
www.npr.org/2020/10/17/9...
www.voanews.com/a/government...
www.npr.org/2020/10/17/9...
Judge Finds U.S. Agency for Global Media CEO Broke Law In Seizing Control Of Fund
Judge rules against USAGM CEO Michael Pack's moves to dismiss top executives and board of a fund that helps people who live under repressive regimes to access the Web and to communicate securely.
www.npr.org
March 15, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Some context for the elimination of USAGM
Federal District Court Judge Royce Lamberth rules that Kari Lake and USAGM are prohibited from firing VOA Director Michael Abramowitz without approval from a majority of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board (whose bipartisan members were fired by Trump).
August 28, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Federal District Court Judge Royce Lamberth rules that Kari Lake and USAGM are prohibited from firing VOA Director Michael Abramowitz without approval from a majority of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board (whose bipartisan members were fired by Trump).
JUST IN: The full bench of the DC Circuit has stepped in to force the release of funds to government-backed news networks overseen by USAGM.
The 7-4 ruling unlocks about $25 million of obligated funds. The court’s four Republican appointees (3 Trump, 1 Bush) dissent.
The 7-4 ruling unlocks about $25 million of obligated funds. The court’s four Republican appointees (3 Trump, 1 Bush) dissent.
May 8, 2025 at 5:18 AM
JUST IN: The full bench of the DC Circuit has stepped in to force the release of funds to government-backed news networks overseen by USAGM.
The 7-4 ruling unlocks about $25 million of obligated funds. The court’s four Republican appointees (3 Trump, 1 Bush) dissent.
The 7-4 ruling unlocks about $25 million of obligated funds. The court’s four Republican appointees (3 Trump, 1 Bush) dissent.